Mercury is the third element in the twelfth column of the periodic table. It is classified as a transition metal. Mercury atoms have 80 electrons and 80 protons with 122 neutrons in the most abundant isotope.

Characteristics and Properties

Under standard conditions mercury is a shiny, heavy, silvery liquid. It is the only metal that is liquid at room temperature. It will evaporate into the air at room temperature.

Mercury is very poisonous and can be absorbed by humans through the air, skin, or by eating food with mercury. Too much mercury can kill a person.

When mercury comes into contact with other metals, it dissolves them and forms a new substance called an amalgam. Iron is one of the few exceptions and, as a result, is often used to store mercury.

Where is it found on Earth?

Mercury is a very rare element found in the Earth's crust. It is sometimes found in its free state, but is usually found in ores such as cinnabar, livingstonite, and corderoite. Most mercury today is produced from the mining of cinnabar, a bright red ore.

For many years Spain and Italy were the largest producers of mercury. Spain mined mercury in order to use it in their mining process for silver in South America. Today, the majority of mercury is mined in China and Kyrgyzstan.

How is mercury used today?

Mercury is used in a variety of applications, but is being phased out of some of them due to health issues. Due to its high density and thermal expansion characteristics, it is used in measuring instruments such as thermometers and barometers. A major application today is fluorescent lamps and mercury vapor lamps.

Other applications for mercury include dental fillings, telescopes, cosmetics, and vaccines.

How was it discovered?

Mercury has been known about since ancient times and was used by civilizations such as Ancient Egypt and Ancient China. The first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, believed that mercury was part of the Elixir of Life that would help him to live forever. Unfortunately, mercury is toxic and consuming mercury is likely what killed him.

For many years, alchemists thought that mercury was the "prima materia" and that all other metals could be made from mercury. They thought they could use mercury to make gold.

Where did mercury get its name?

Mercury gets is name from the planet Mercury which was named after the swift messenger of the Roman gods, Mercury. It was given this name because it flowed swiftly in its liquid form. The symbol Hg comes from the Latin word "hydragyrum" meaning "liquid silver."

Isotopes

Mercury has seven stable isotopes. The most abundant in nature is Mercury-202 which comprises around 30% of all mercury.

Interesting Facts about Mercury

Despite being the only metal that is liquid at room temperature, mercury has the smallest liquid range of any metal. It becomes a solid at -38.83°C and a gas at 356.7°C.

Some fish, such as swordfish and shark, can contain high levels of mercury.

The use of mercury in manufacturing has been banned in several countries including Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.

The term "mad as a hatter" comes from hat makers who went crazy breathing in mercury vapors from chemicals they used in making hats.

Never hold mercury in your bare hands as it can seep through the skin and poison you. Mercury should not be left out in the open as it will evaporate into the air and can poison you through breathing it.